Progressive and stationary waves key terms

wavelength

The distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, typically measured in meters (m).

frequency

The number of complete wave cycles that pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

wave speed

The speed at which a wave travels through a medium, calculated using the formula v = f × λ, where v is wave speed, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength.

frequency

The number of complete wave cycles that pass a given point per unit time, measured in hertz (Hz).

wavelength

The distance between successive points of a wave that are in phase, measured along the direction of propagation.

period

The time taken for one complete cycle of a wave to pass a fixed point.

wavelength

The distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, typically measured in meters (m).

frequency

The number of complete waves that pass a given point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).

longitudinal wave

A wave in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, characterized by compressions and rarefactions.

transverse wave

A wave in which the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, characterized by peaks and troughs.

compression

A region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together, resulting in increased pressure.

rarefaction

A region in a longitudinal wave where particles are furthest apart, resulting in decreased pressure.

Polarisation

The process by which waves, such as light, oscillate in a particular direction, providing evidence that they are transverse waves.

Transverse Waves

Waves in which the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, exemplified by light waves that can be polarised.

Longitudinal wave

A wave in which particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, producing alternating compressions and rarefactions.

Transverse wave

A wave in which particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, allowing phenomena such as polarisation.

superposition

The principle that when two or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement is the sum of the individual displacements.

stationary wave

A wave that remains in a constant position, formed by the interference of two progressive waves traveling in opposite directions.

stationary wave

A wave that remains in a constant position, formed by the superposition of two progressive waves moving in opposite directions, resulting in nodes and antinodes.

superposition principle

The principle stating that when two or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement is the sum of the individual displacements of the waves.

Node

A point on a stationary wave where the displacement is always zero.

Antinode

A point on a stationary wave where the displacement is at a maximum.

stationary wave

A wave that remains in a constant position, formed by the interference of two progressive waves traveling in opposite directions.

node

A point on a stationary wave where the displacement is always zero, occurring at regular intervals along the wave.